Abstract

The need for rapid, accurate detection of chemical species in the environment has prompted much interest in the development of chemical detectors. A number of considerations must be taken into account in the design of a successful sensor such as low false alarm rates, low levels of detection, ease of use and reliability. Moreover, the ideal device would be compact and have low power requirements. Recent progress in chip based chemical analysis offers great promise toward the development of such a detector.1 Chip based devices offer a number of advantages such as speed, reproducibility, and the need for low sample volume. An example of a class of compounds that demands rapid and accurate detection are the nitroaromatic and nitramine explosives. Prompt, reliable detection of explosives amidst a complex background is important in a number applications such as mine detection, anti-terrorism measures, environmental remediation, forensics, and health and safety concerns. Here we present results on the separation of explosive compounds using microcapillary electrokinetic chromatography and their detection using indirect laser-induced fluorescence. These techniques are readily amenable toward miniaturization and integration into a single chip based device.

© 1998 Optical Society of America